Gaming chairs are one of the best investments a gamer can make. After all, during those long gaming sessions, where are you going to sit? While gaming keyboards and gaming monitors can really lift your gaming experience to the next level, none of it really matters if you don’t have a comfortable chair to sit in. Our top entry, the Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen, is a perfect example: It’s a chair big enough for pretty much any body, and it’s comfortable and sturdy enough to sit for hours.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Chairs:
I’ve been reviewing gaming chairs for years, and the overall best ones you can buy provide a place to sink into for hours of gaming without fatigue or pain. Including features like customizable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and a movable headrest to beef up the ergnomics only adds to a more comfortable, distraction-free space to focus on your favorite PC games.
However, there are an excess of options to choose from. To help you out, I’ve cut this list down to six tested and researched chairs offering solid frames, high-quality material, and all the creature comforts you could want.
1. Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen
Best Gaming Chair
Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen
46
With a brand new, ultra comfy leatherette and softer seat cushion, the new Titan Evo Nanogen is the gaming chair to buy.
Ergonomics
4D adjustable armrests, lumbar support, magnetic head pillow, memory foam with cooling gel
High-quality, durable build
Comfortable and ergonomic
Backrest foam can be stiff for some
The original Secretlab Titan Evo I reviewed reigned supreme as my top pick since its release in 2022. With the release of the Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen edition, that has officially changed as the new model officially slides into the top spot, and by quite a bit too. Though it might look similar from afar, all it takes is a touch to realize how much better its new leatherette and seat cushion actually are.
In the two years since the release of the original Evo, Secretlab has been hard at work developing its brand new Nanogen Hybrid Leatherette. This new material is much softer and instantly makes the chair more comfortable just by virtue of how nice it is to sit on. In my review, I noted that the only similar material I’ve felt is Brisa, an “ultrafabric” that’s typically found on luxury products. The only gaming chair I’ve encountered with such a fabric, or that even comes close to the Titan Evo Nanogen and its sweet, sweet suppleness, is the LF Gaming Stealth, a luxury bucket seat that starts at $1,700.
Secretlab also took gamers’ feedback to heart about the firmness of its signature cold cure foam. This new model now features a Nanofoam Composite cushion on the seat, providing a layer of softness right out of the box while still providing adequate support for long gaming sessions.
The armrests also see a major upgrade. While they still feature hot-swappable top cushions thanks to their magnetic attachment system, the Nanogen comes with velour-wrapped PlushCell foam arm toppers by default. If you’ve ever experienced sore elbows from leaning on the arms of your gaming chair, you’ll know how important this softness is. Paired with its PlushCell magnetic neck pillow, it’s easily one of the most cozy gaming chairs out there. With the optional Ergonomic Recliner add-on, it’s the only gaming chair I’ve ever taken a nap in.
This new model does come at a premium over the original, but it’s worth every penny. It’s class-leading in every way.
2. Razer Iskur V2 X
Best Budget Gaming Chair
Razer Iskur V2 X
25
Made to last in stylish comfort, this chair is a good long-term pick.
Ergonomics
2D adjustable armrests, tilt tension, tilt recline, integrated lumbar support
Steel frame and aluminum wheel base for enhanced durability
Ample cushioning trimmed in high-quality fabric upholstery
Just as stylish as more expensive gaming chairs
No included support pillows
If you want a good gaming chair on a budget, look no further than the Razer Iskur V2 X. Coming in at $300, this chair isn’t the absolute cheapest, but it offers premium quality that’s made to last years into the future. And if you plan on using it while you stream, its good looks make it the perfect complement to your face cam.
When I reviewed this chair, I was very impressed at how Razer prioritized long-term durability and build quality with this release. Its fabric upholstery is soft but tough with a tight weave to withstand rigorous use. Beneath that fabric and the layer of cushion beneath, there’s a rugged steel frame – not the usual low quality fiberboard typical of budget gaming chairs – so you don’t need to worry about an untimely break as you kick back to put your feet up. The wheelbase has also been upgraded from the usual plastic to aluminum, eliminating another source of breakage.
This chair is also comfortable straight out of the box with dense but soft cushions and comfy fabrics. It doesn’t come with any kind of pillows, so you’ll need to pick those up separately if you’re looking for a little bit of extra support. But for my back, the integrated lumbar curve did the trick even over long-term gaming sessions.
Can you spend less on a gaming chair? Sure, but around this price, the Razer Iskur V2 X blends exceptional build quality with comfort and style in a way few others do. Even if you have to save up a little more, it’s worth waiting on.
3. Haworth Fern
Best Ergonomic Gaming Chair
Haworth Fern
12
Style, support, and an excellent warranty all in one. This chair has it all.
Ergonomics
Dynamic variable lumbar, adjustable backrest height, adjustable waterfall seat, 4D or FS 360° armrests
Tons of customization options
Plentiful adjustments to match your body and provide all-day support
Excellent warranty coverage
The Haworth Fern might just be my favorite chair of the year. It combines style with support in a way that few others do, even in the upper echelons of the office chair world. While it doesn’t come cheap, it comes with a 12-year warranty, making the Fern an investment in your health and comfort with the level of reassurance only other industry leaders can match.
What makes the Fern special, apart from its uniquely modern sense of style, is its multi-part back support. An intricate grid allows the back to flex and offer support wherever you need it, no matter how you might move, where a second piece shaped like a fern (hence the chair’s name) reinforces this support. If you opt for the optional adjustable lumbar, which I recommend that you do, that exists in the center and allows you to fine-tune the experience even more.
Reviewing chairs for a living, you come to expect a lot of customization options, but even I was surprised when I visited Haworth’s configurator. You can choose from four different materials for the chair: mesh; digital knit, which has a unique chevron pattern; gradient knit, which, as the name implies, has a color gradient from top to bottom; and leather. There are multiple colors for each of these, and you can customize exactly how your chair looks. Elsewhere on the site, you can tailor the headrest, lumbar, arm type, and even tilt type of the chair, as well as choose between an aluminum base or a plastic base to save a little money.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect ahead of my review of the Hawthorn Fern. Lots of chairs look good, but aesthetics definitely don’t guarantee comfort or support. The Fern delivers all three in spades. Apart from its appearance, you can customize all the usual ergonomic features, including its 4D armrests, seat depth, recline amount, and tilt tension, as well as the backstop if you’d prefer to lock yourself to a particular sitting angle.
If you are an Xbox gamer, the company even offers a few different options designed around Microsoft, the Xbox, and the Halo franchise. This is a high-end option but absolutely delivers and looks good doing it.
4. Hinomi H1 Pro
Best Mesh Gaming Chair
Hinomi H1 Pro
8
Versatility and adjustability are the name of the game with this chair. It’s one of the most adjustable we’ve seen yet.
Backrest Height
25.2-35.4″
Seat Height
(S) 17.3-20.1″, (M) 18.9-22.4″, (L) 19.7-23.2″
Ergonomics
4-point headrest adjustment, 2-point lumbar adjustment, tilt angle and tension, 5D armrests, seat depth, leg rest length, height
Very supportive thanks to its many adjustments
Can take some time to dial in settings
The Hinomi H1 Pro is the quintessential example of adjustability and customization, offering more adjustments than even some of the most expensive and luxurious office chairs. Its adjustability is its defining feature. While most chairs are designed around ergonomics, the designers have also put an emphasis on versatility and even easy storage. Nearly every aspect of the chair is adjustable in some way. And when you’re not using it, you can even fold it up and slide it under your desk to reclaim some of the space in your room.
Hinomi may not be a brand you’ve heard of before, but don’t let that frighten you. It’s earned quite a few accolades in its limited time on the market and achieved a high degree of success with its ergonomic chairs, largely based on just how adjustable they are. The H1 Pro is its current flagship model and is designed to support even the longest sitting sessions, whether you are burning the midnight oil at work or playing a marathon session of your favorite esport.
Let’s break down its customizations. Starting with the backrest, it’s split into two parts to adjust your lower and upper spine. The headrest is adjustable at four different points to ensure it perfectly matches the height and depth of your neck. The chair is able to tilt up to 136 degrees with adjustable tension to achieve the much sought-after floating on air effect. The lower backrest itself is also tension adjustable to make sure it provides just the right amount of support no matter how you may be sitting. The seat can slide in and out, so your back meets the rest at just the right angle and there’s enough space between its waterfall edge and the back of your knee. Hidden beneath is a footrest so when you want to kick back with a controller, you don’t need to prop your feet up on the printer hiding beneath your desk.
Two of its neatest tricks involve folding, which isn’t something I’ve been able to say about very many chairs, even over years of testing. Often, high-end mesh chairs force you to choose whether you want armrests or not, with little in between. Here, you get 5-dimensional armrests, which offer the typical height, depth, angle, and width adjustments, but when they’re not needed, they can completely fold out of the way. As a guitar player, this feature alone makes the chair appealing. But if you’re also gaming in a space-constrained environment, you’ll appreciate that the entire backrest can fold forward to tuck the chair under the desk when it’s not in use.
The chair uses a high-quality mesh material that’s breathable and supportive, but some people have reported that they actually find its support too prominent. As always, I suggest trying any expensive chair before committing to a purchase or buying from an online retailer like Amazon, which has a generous return policy. Just be sure to save that packaging. With how adjustable it is, however, you probably aren’t going to need it because the Hinomi H1 Pro is designed to meet your body exactly where it’s at.
5. Razer Enki
Best Fabric Gaming Chair
Razer Enki
7
Fabric where you touch, leather for the looks, this chair blends the best of both worlds and offers killer comfort at the same time.
Tilt
152° maximum recline
Ergonomics
Integrated lumbar arch, precise shoulder arch, 4D armrests, neck pillow
Exceptionally comfortable
Cheaper and more expensive versions available
Cheaper version lacks neck pillow
The Razer Enki cheats a little bit in this category. It’s part fabric, part EPU leather, but the portion that actually touches your body is a soft, breathable suede, so I think it counts. The mix of materials lends this gaming seat a unique look that’s equal parts premium and eminently cool.
More importantly, in my review of the Razer Enki, I found it to be one of the most comfortable gaming chairs you can buy for entire workdays and beyond, which isn’t something gaming chairs are typically known for. The mix of its integrated lumbar arch and precise shoulder arch gently guides you to the center, keeping your body in alignment for superior comfort throughout the day. The cushion is soft enough to be comfortable straight out of the box, and a magnetic neck pillow (trimmed in a soft velour) makes adjustments easy. I admit, it seems like marketing-speak at first, but it really works, and it’s really comfortable.
The chair features the usual suite of gaming features, including a deep 152 degree, adjustable tilt and height, as well as 4D armrests. Unlike most gaming chairs, these armrests are soft enough to be comfortable and offer an extended height range to keep your arms in line with your desk. At around $450, it’s not the cheapest chair, but Razer also offers a more affordable Razer Enki X version that lacks a magnetic pillow and features 2D armrests.
6. Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen XL
Best Big and Tall Gaming Chair
Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen XL
9
Taller, wider, and just as supportive as our top pick.
Ergonomics
4D adjustable armrests, lumbar support, magnetic head pillow, memory foam with cooling gel
Wide, well-cushioned seat
Soft and comfortable yet still supportive
Sturdy aluminum wheelbase
Pricier than the smaller model
The Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen XL is a clear winner for the best big and tall gaming chair. I’ve been recommending the Titan Evo since its original launch several years ago, but with the Nanogen Edition, the company has taken comfort to the next level (which is also why it’s my No. 1 pick for overall gaming chair). The XL version just upsizes that to deliver its comfort to a wider audience.
This version takes everything from the normal-sized version and carries it through. That means you’ll get the exceptionally soft, Brisa-like fabric and extra seat cushion, as well as those gloriously plush yet still somehow supportive armrests. If you’re a larger person, then you know how important proper back support is, and this delivers that too with its adjustable lumbar support.
It also features full compatibility with the company’s different magnetic accessories for the standard Titan Evo XL. There are magnetic pillows and different armrest covers and, though not magnetic, you can also attach the company’s new recliner accessory to put your feet up and kick back with the controller.
This chair doesn’t come cheap, but believe me when I say that it’s worth every penny when stacked up against other gaming chairs attempting similar levels of support and comfort. Secretlab has been an industry leader for a reason, and the Nanogen line is easily the best it has ever produced.
7. Respawn 900 Gaming Recliner
Best Gaming Chair with a Footrest
Respawn 900 Gaming Recliner
1
The perfect chair for putting your feet back and kicking back with a recliner, it offers plenty of options at a reasonable price.
Ergonomics/Extra Features
360° swivel, 135° recline, backrest and recline operate independently, built-in cupholder, removeable storage pouch, included headrest pillow
Soft cushioning, perfect for relaxing with your feet up
Independent control of backrest and recliner
Leather and fabric options
Height can be low for some desks
Finding a great gaming chair with a quality footrest is more challenging than you would expect. While plenty of chairs that come with footrests, they are mostly carbon copies of one another, and very few of them offer the kind of seamless quality as my go-to pick: the Respawn 900 Gaming Recliner.
When it comes to affordable gaming chairs, Respawn has been one of the go-to brands over the last five years or so. That doesn’t mean they are cheaply made or poor quality, however. In fact, it has been the exact opposite that has made them such a popular choice among gamers that don’t want to spend $500 or more on their gaming throne. I was delighted to find this chair, which not only breaks the mold set by other gaming chairs on the market, but evolves it into a hybrid between a typical racing-style gaming chair and a full-on recliner.
Coming in around $400, this chair features a wide footrest that combines with the seat with a single upholstered layer. It offers separate controls for the footrest, recliner, and backrest, so you can cater your sitting style to your mood with more precision. It’s the perfect chair for kicking back with a controller and could even fit into a bedroom or living room without a PC if you count yourself among the console faithful.
This design, which is a racing chair from the backrest up into a recliner from the armrests and seat down, has other benefits that most gaming chairs just don’t offer. The armrests are wide and thickly padded. There’s a cup holder built into the left armrest and a removable pouch that can be used to store a remote controller, or even some snacks. It’s also available in your choice of PU leather or fabric in a number of different styles to match your taste. Of course, such a different design also has some trade-offs. The biggest consideration is that it’s not height adjustable and features stationary armrests (like a recliner). Some users have found that it sits too low for their desk. At 18.1 inches, it’s about the same as a normal gaming chair in its lowest position.
If you’re looking for a middle ground that can deliver for PC and console gaming alike, I think this is a reasonable trade-off. And if you need a little extra height, you can pick up my favorite riser cushion to gain those extra inches to sit comfortably at your desk.
8. Secretlab Titan Evo (Small)
Best Gaming Chair for Shorter Gamers
Secretlab Titan Evo (Small)
2
The best gaming chair, miniaturized.
Ergonomics
4D adjustable armrests, 4-way lumbar adjustmnte, magnetic head pillow, memory foam armrests
All the features of the larger Titan Evo in a small form factor
Solid ergonomic support for long gaming sessions
Excellent build quality and durability over time
Not available with new Nanogen materials (yet?)
Secretlab chairs come at a premium
If you’re on the smaller side, many gaming chairs can make you feel like you’re swimming. If that describes you, then you’re in luck. The best gaming chair, the Secretlab Titan Evo, has a version designed especially for you. It’s one of the few major brands to offer a variant specifically dedicated to shorter gamers and offers all of the same ergonomic comfort and durability benefits, as well as the unique sense of style the brand is known for.
It’s important to note that this version does not feature the upgrades of the new Nanogen Edition. It follows the same proven design of the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 that I reviewed and fell in love with. I wouldn’t be surprised if a Nanogen Edition came out in the future, which would easily take this spot due to the softness of the new material, but that doesn’t take away from how good this chair is.
In fact, apart from the additional foam layer on the seat and the new upholstery, nearly all of the same features apply here. My specific pick goes to the SoftWeave fabric version for its added softness and breathability. But even if you go with Secretlab’s Neo Hybrid Leatherette, you’ll be able to count on four-way lumbar support, soft memory foam arm cushions, and an equally plush magnetic neck pillow that won’t push your neck forward and actually enhances its comfort.
It’s also a bit cheaper, which is nice, especially if you pick it up directly from Secretlab’s website. There, it will only set you back $569 for the fabric version and $549 for the leather. On Amazon, the price is steeper at $659. No matter who you buy from, you can count on a chair that’s made to last and comes with a three-year warranty that can be boosted to five years by sharing a picture of your new chair online.
How I Chose the Best Gaming Chairs
In deciding which gaming chairs to include on this list, my first consideration is always which chairs I’ve personally tested and know are worth including from firsthand experience. We – myself and other reviewers at IGN – test a lot of gaming chairs and will be updating this list with others we test over time. Where that’s not possible, we use our extensive knowledge to assess each chair’s ergonomics, features, and materials. We also consult expert resources from our colleagues in the field and real user reviews. Finally, we take into account real-world feedback on each company, how well they stand behind their products, and how they support customers in need.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Chair for You
- Price: This will probably be the biggest determining factor. Going out with a set budget is helpful, as you’ll find chairs ranging from under $50 to more than $1,000. Cheaper gaming chairs, like the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, still deliver the comfort of more expensive ones. You just need to be prepared to sacrifice features, like 4D armrests or adjustable lumbar support. I’d stay away from anything under $100, especially if the chair makes promises that appear too good to be true.
- Design: Comfort is king; nobody wants to spend hours in a seat that causes back or neck pain. Finding a chair that’s the right size for you is essential for preventing discomfort. Luckily, most chairs list their dimensions. You’ll want a wide, well-cushioned seat, a long backrest, and a good range of height adjustability. All that should sit on a sturdy metal frame capable of holding your full body weight. If you’re looking into a racing-style chair with bucket seats, like the AndaSeat Kaiser 3, pay special mind to the bolsters, as they can dig into your thighs.
- Materials: For the most part, gaming chairs offer PU leather, fabric, or mesh. PU leather is easy to clean but may not always be super durable, and it gets hot when wearing shorts. Fabric, which is used on the E-Win Champion, won’t be as easy to clean, though it’s less of a heat magnet. Mesh is the most breathable option. However, you’ll lose the cushioned seat and backrest in favor of a suspension system, which can be a hit or miss. The Razer Fujin Pro is one chair that gets mesh right.
- Ergonomics: After locking those in, a movable headrest, adjustable armrests, and customizable lumbar support can enhance the chair’s ergonomic, but these features often make the chair more expensive. Other quality-of-life additions, like a tilting or rocking mechanism, also help with relaxation between heated gaming sessions.
Keep all this in mind so you know how to pick the perfect gaming chair for your needs.
Gaming Chair FAQ
What’s the point of a gaming chair?
Because gaming chairs are glorified office chairs, their main selling points are, frankly, aesthetic. Gaming chairs are often a bit more expensive than comparable office chairs and don’t have the same comfort features as seats designed for working in all day. Still, if you love the way that gaming chairs look and you’re going for a certain vibe in your gaming den, the best gaming chairs do truly shine. You just might want to look at the best ergonomic chairs if you want something that’s truly going to take care of your aching back.
How much should you spend on a a gaming chair?
While you can buy a gaming chair for $80 or less, doing so is just asking for eventual pain. Something inexpensive is usually nothing more than a cheap plastic frame (versus steel) with some thin fabric or pleather upholstery on top.
You can get a quality chair for as little as $200, and that’s the absolute bottom floor of affordability we’d go for. Spending $300 or more will get you access to better options. If your budget allows you to soar a bit higher, more expensive gaming chairs start to come with built-in lumbar support, cooling gel layers, and even more adjustable ergonomics, not to mention RGB LED Kits and more. It all depends on what matters most to you in the long term.
Should you get a gaming chair or an office chair?
While there are benefits to both, this is a subjective question and boils down to what you’re looking for. If you’re after looks and the ability to deeply recline, a gaming chair is a safe bet. If you’re looking for a chair that places ergonomics first and has lots of adjustments, you’ll have more luck with an office chair. It’s important to note, however, that there’s plenty of crossover between the two. The Steelcase Gesture, for example, would look fantastic on any stream but it’s an office chair, through and through. The Mavix M9, on the other hand, is clearly a gaming chair but has the features and adjustments of premium office chairs. Consider what you value most, how long you’ll be sitting in the chair, and what adjustments you would prefer. From there, you can find chairs in either category to meet your needs.
What’s the best brand of gaming chair?
Your classic gaming brands like Razer and Corsair have been known to make mean chairs. Otherwise, brands like Secretlab, Razer, and Corsair consistently deliver comfortable, well-built seats that blend comfort and durability across price points. More classic ergo brands like Herman-Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth have begun releasing chairs for gamers too. Though expensive, those chairs are made with the best materials and are full of ergonomic features allowing them to offer superior support and comfort. Be wary of some brands available only on Amazon: The most inexpensive options will most likely be a little janky. It’s probably worth it to save up and spend extra on a more notable brand.
Christopher Coke has been a regular contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology since 2013. He is the current subject matter expert for gaming monitors, laptops, and gaming chairs. Since 2013, he has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs to gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.
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